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HOW TOLEGALLY WORKIN AMERICA

USAFIS Organization eBook Series© 2014 by USAFIS Press

HOW TO LEGALLYWORK IN AMERICA

2014 Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher,

USAFIS Organization, except the forms included in the book, intended for personal use only.

Copyright © 2014 by USAFIS Press, USAFIS Organization

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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USAFIS Organization eBook | How to Legally Work In America | 3

Table of Contents

DISCLAIMER 4

INTRODUCTION 5

FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRATION 8

EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISAS 11

H1B (EMPLOYMENT) VISA 14

STUDENT VISA 19

GREEN CARD LOTTERY 24

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU 27

CONCLUSION 29


DISCLAIMERHow to Legally Work in America is a snapshot into different visa options available for foreign nationals to live and work in the United States. While it does not replace the expertise of immigration lawyers, it does provide the individual with the background of what is involved in these visa programs. The information contained in this guide should not be considered as legal advice.

Although the author and publisher believe the information in this book to be accurate on the date of its publication, the reader should be aware that immigration laws, regulations and procedures are constantly changing. It is up to the reader to make sure that the information is accurate and up to date. The author and publishers shall not be held liable for any damage suffered directly or indirectly due to the use of this guide.


INTRODUCTIONYou are looking at the USA as an opportunity to make a better life. How to LegallyWork in America will help you learn more about the different options available for you to legally live and work in the United States. This eBook is designed to give you an outline of different visa categories such as family-sponsored immigration; employment-based immigration; student visa; and the Green Card Lottery.

Family-sponsored Immigration - In order to qualify for a visa via family sponsorship, you must have a very close relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder). Husbands and wives of U.S. citizens, parents of U.S. citizens, and children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens (including step children) have top priority and can qualify for a Green Card relatively quickly. Other family members, such as husbands and wives of permanent residents, children over the age of 21, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens can also qualify for family sponsored Green Cards. However, these family members are put on a Green Card waiting list. One can wait more than 10 years to receive a Green Card.

Employment-based Immigration - One may obtain a Green Card through a job offer from an American employer. There are many types of employment visas, but the H1B visa is the most popular one. The likelihood of being hired by a U.S. employer during your stay in the States is much higher than trying it from your home country.

Student Visa - Generally speaking, one cannot have a job while attending an institution of higher learning on a U.S. student visa. However, one can begin the process of searching for employers willing to sponsor before you graduate. The likelihood of being hired by a U.S. employer during your stay in the States is much higher than trying it from your home country.

Green Card Lottery - The U.S. government offers 50,000 visas through the Green Card Lottery. The eligibility requirements are quite basic;

Chapter 1 - Introduction



a high school education or work experience as well as being a native of a Green Card Lottery qualifying country.

Immigrants Create U.S. JobsIn a major policy speech in June of 2011, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that the government must increase U.S. immigration in order to repair and grow the U.S. economy. As reported in Politico.com, Bloomberg said, “We will not remain a global superpower if we continue to close our doors to people who want to come here to work hard, start businesses, and pursue the American dream.” He added, “The American Dream cannot survive if we keep telling the dreamers to go elsewhere.”

Bloomberg cited statistics that over 40 percent of the largest U.S. companies were started by immigrants or the children of immigrants. These figures are contained in a report from the Partnership for a New American Economy, an organization that Bloomberg leads. This same report states that the major corporations of the future may be created beyond U.S. shores unless there is major reform of U.S. immigration laws.

The former New York mayor said that immigrants and their children have been responsible for creating millions of jobs in all 50 states. “The reason is simple: immigrants are dreamers and risk-takers who are driven to succeed, because they know that in America, hard work and talent are rewarded like nowhere else”, Bloomberg remarked.

New York City is an example to the rest of the nation, with over 40% of the 8.2 million that live in the city being immigrants. They have been a driving force to ensure the economic stability of this metropolis. Supporters of bringing in more immigrants to the United States wish to reform the current system by increasing the number of employment visas and providing special programs to encourage foreign business people to start U.S. companies as well as allowing foreign students graduating from American colleges to get a Green Card.

http://www.renewoureconomy.org/



Immigration is America’s great success story. For years, the U.S. has welcomed large numbers of immigrants, found productive employment for them and successfully included them into its population.

The American DreamAmerica has been very successful in attracting skilled immigrants. Many innovative and successful new American companies—Google, Intel, eBay, and countless others—have been built by recent immigrants.

According to a U.S. immigration report submitted by the Council on Foreign Relations, more than half of the recent growth in the U.S. labor force has come from immigration and nearly all the future growth will come either from immigrants or from current workers delaying retirement. “Unlike Japan and most of Europe, which face a steady decline in their working-age populations, America’s high immigration rates, and relatively high birth rates among more recent immigrants, have lessen much of that decline” the report said.

The American Dream remains a compelling ideal. Many people around the world believe fervently in the U.S. as a country where anyone, regardless of economic or cultural background, can start anew and succeed in building a better life. As the famous American pollster John Zogby said in testimony to Congress in March 8, 2007, “America still represents a beacon of hope.”

It is no wonder that America still attracts not only the brightest, most capable immigrants, but also many of the ambitious poor who see no opportunity for advancement in their own countries. For many in poorer countries, those who have braved the journey to reach the United States in an effort to make a better life and support their families at home are considered heroes.

Most immigrants come to the United States to work. They come here because of wages, working conditions and the prospects for economic success are far superior to what they find in their own countries. This eBook will give you an overview of the options available to legally work in the USA and achieve your American Dream.


FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRATIONApproximately 700,000 people immigrate to the United States through family-sponsored immigration every year. Both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR) can bring family members from other countries to live permanently in America. There is a difference between citizens and permanent residents regarding which family members can be sponsored to be brought into the USA.

Chapter 2 – Family-Sponsored Immigration

Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents cannot sponsor distant family members, such as aunts, uncles and cousins.

U.S. citizens have an added advantage of bringing certain immediate relatives – spouse, unmarried minor children and parents - to America. There is no ceiling on the number of immigrant visas allotted for these immediate relatives. In fact, 500,000 immigrants are processed each year through this family-sponsor immigration option. The authorizations of these visas are quickly processed.

Brothers, sisters, unmarried and married adult children of U.S. citizens as well as all immediate relatives of a permanent resident are subjected to visa allotments and waiting times. These immigrants fall into the “family preference system” which has been capped at 226,000 visas per year since 1990.

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)U.S. Citizen

• Spouse

• Children

• Parents

• Brothers/Sisters

• Spouse

• Unmarried children



Category U.S. Sponsor Relationship Visas Allocated

Immediate Relative

1stPreference

2nd APreference

2nd B Preference

3rd Preference

4th Preference

U.S. Citizen

U.S. Citizen

LPR

U.S. Citizen

U.S. Citizen

U.S. Citizen (21 years or older)

Spouses, unmarried minor children, and (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older) parents

Unmarried adult children (21 years or older) and their minor children

Spouses and minorchildren

Unmarried adult children (21 years or older)

Married adult children and their spouses and children

Brothers and sisters, and their spouses and minor children

Not numerically limited (approximately 500,000 have been issued annually inrecent years)

23,400 visas/year, plus any visas left from the 4th preference

87,900 visas year. Unused visas from the 1st preference may be added to the 2nd

26,300 visas/year

23,400 visas/year, plus any left over from the 1st and 2nd references

65,000 visas/year, plus any left over from the previous preferences



Receiving a visa through family-sponsored immigration allows one to legally live and work in the USA. However, before an immigrant is granted a Green Card, an individual must submit information and documentation that is carefully checked by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

Application RequirementsThe immigrant must report all places of residence and employment over the past five years. Information about parents, spouse, and children are also collected on the application form. The applicant must submit photos, a copy of his or her birth certificate and appear for fingerprinting. The fingerprints are checked against an FBI database and other government databases of persons with criminal records.In some cases, police clearances of the applicant’s hometown must accompany the application. Finally, the immigrant must have a medical examination.


Chapter 3 – Employment-Based Visas

EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISASEmployment-based visas are just one component of the U.S. visa system and comprise only seventeen percent of the visas issued for the United States. It has two broad categories—permanent and temporary visas.

The U.S. government allocates 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas to qualified applicants. Employment based immigrant visas are divided into five preference categories.

High-Skilled Workers Low-Skilled Workers

PermanentEmployment-BasedVisas

TemporaryEmployment-BasedVisas

• Annual cap of 140,000 Can include some employment-basedvisa holders admitted under the third preference (see chart below)

H-1B Visas:• Annual cap of 65,000

H-2A Visas:• No annual cap

• Help fill the shortage of available domestic workers & seasonal agricultural jobs

H-2B Visas:• Annual cap of 66,000

• For non-agricultural workers



Category Visa Allocation

1stPreference

40,000 visas for:1. Individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences,

arts, education, business or athletics;

2. Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years experience in teaching or research and recognized internationally; and

3. Multinational managers or executives who have been employed for at least one of the three preceding years by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of a U.S. employer.

2nd Preference

40,000 visas for “members of the professions holding advanced degrees or aliens of exceptional ability.”

3rd Preference

40,000 to skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. The “other workers” category covers workers who are “capable of performing unskilled labor,” and who are not temporary or seasonal. Workers in this category are limited to 5,000 visas per year. Skilled workers must be capable of performing skilled labor requiring at least two years training or experience.

4th Preference

10,000 visas for certain special immigrants, including ministers, religious workers, and others.

5th Preference

10,000 visas for individuals who will invest between $500,000 and $1 million in a job-creating enterprise. At least ten U.S. workers must be employed by each investor.



Some immigrant visa preferences require you to already have a job offer from a U.S. employer. This employer will be considered your sponsor. For some visa categories, before the U.S. employer can submit an immigration petition toUSCIS, the employer must obtain an approved labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL labor certification verifies the following:

• There are insufficient available, qualified, and willing U.S. work-ers to fill the position being offered at the prevailing wage

• Hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers

The next chapter deals with one of the most sought after employment visas -H1B. It allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations for three years, extendable to six years, if U.S. citizens or residents are not available.


Chapter 4 - H1b (Employment) Visa

H1B (EMPLOYMENT) VISAOne of the most well-known employment visas is the H1-B, which is available to specially skilled and educated foreign nationals who have been offered a job by a U.S. employer. There is a quota on these visas; 65,000 for foreign workers, plus 20,000 for international students that graduate with a Master’s or higher degree from a U.S. university.

A benefit of receiving a H1-B visa is that an applicant can receive a Green Card and legally live and work in the USA. In addition, the applicant can bring their spouse and children (under the age of 21) to live in the USA; however, they cannot legally work.

RequirementsThose wishing to apply for a H1-B visa to America need a U.S. employer to sponsor them. For employers to hire foreign professionals, the company needs to provethe following:1. The position is in a specialty occupation;

2. The employee has the proper qualifications for the job;

3. The employee will be paid the current wage for the work being performed in this position; and

4. The employment of a foreign worker is not taking away work from U.S. workers.

The employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no more than six months before the start date of the job.

Most of these visas are available only on a limited basis. Therefore, it is important that you provide your sponsoring employer with all the necessary documents as soon as possible.



These documents include:• Educational diplomas (High School, Associate, Bachelor, Master, PhD)

• College transcripts/academic records

• Certificate/diploma of training courses

• Evidence of license or professional membership (if applicable)

• Employment references (these must connect with in-formation provided in one’s CV/Resume)

• Current CV/Resume - detailing employment history including: name & address of employer, job title, month/year of beginning and end-ing of each job, type of business, duties performed, full/part time.

• Passport (including pages showing current or expired US Visas).

Typical Job Categories That Fall Under The H1b Visa

1. IT (Infrastructure Technology)

2. Computing

3. Finance & Accounting

4. Banking

5. Marketing

6. Advertising

7. PR (Public Relations)

8. Sales

9. Recruiting

10. Engineering (all types)

11. Teaching

12. HealthCare/Medical

13. Legal/Lawyers

14. Networking

15. Telecoms

16. Business

17. Management

18. Scientific Research



Top H1B Visa Friendly CompaniesOur immigration experts have discovered some of the top U.S. companies that wish to bring the best and brightest from around the world to work in America. In addition, we have provided links to their job openings page so you can get a head start in researching which company and position you can apply for. Below, is a list of companies that had the highest number of H1B visa approvals for Fiscal Year 2013, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, along with links to their employment webpages:

Infosys - Has over 160,000 employees and provides consulting, outsourcing and technology solutions to customers in over 30 countries. In Fiscal Year 2013, Infosys had 6,298 H1B visa applications approved. To learn more about employment opportunities at Infosys in the USA, visit their career webpage.

Tata Group - This multinational company has more than 580,000 employees around the globe and is involved in chemicals, communications and information technology, consumer products, energy, engineering, materials and services. In the USA, Tata has IT development centers in California, Michigan, and Ohio, plus it is involved in the hotel industry and produces coffee, tea and steel. Tata had 6,258 H1B visas approved in FY-2013. To learn more about jobs at Tata, visit their career webpage.

Cognizant - With 187,400 employees, this New Jersey-based company provides business and technology services to help companies to be more efficient, cost-effective and innovative. Cognizant had 5,186 H1B visas approved in Fiscal Year 2013. To learn more about jobs at Cognizant, visit their career webpage.

Accenture - Has 305,000 employees and operates in 56 countries, and offers its customers management consulting, outsourcing and technology services. For FY-2013, Accenture had 3,346 H1B visas approved. To learn more about employment at Accenture, visit their career webpage.

http://www.infosys.com/careers/americas/job-opportunities/

http://www.infosys.com/careers/americas/job-opportunities/

http://www.tata.com/careers/index/Career

http://www.cognizant.com/careers

http://careers.accenture.com/us-en/pages/index.aspx



Wipro - This firm has 147,452 employees in over 175 cities throughout the world and specializes in consulting, information technology, and outsourcing. In Fiscal Year 2013, Wipro had 2,644 H1B visas approved. For information about jobs at Wipro, visit their career webpage.

HCL America - Based in Sunnyvale, California (in the “Silicon Valley”), HCL America has offices across the USA and provides its clients with IT services and consulting. During FY-2013, there were 1,766 H1B visas approved for HCL America skilled foreign workers. To learn about jobs openings at HCL America in the USA, visit their career webpage.

IBM - Headquartered in New York, IBM is the largest technology and consulting employer in the world. They have over 400,000 employees serving clients in 170 countries. In Fiscal Year 2013, IBM had 1,624 H1B visas approved. To find more information about employment opportunities at IBM, visit their career webpage.

Mahindra Group - This multinational company has 180,000 employees in 100 countries and is involved in information technology, aerospace, the automotive industry, energy, financial services and other business sectors. During FY-2013, the Mahindra Group had 1,589 H1B visas approved. For more information about jobs at the Mahindra Group, visit their career webpage.

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) - is a technology, engineering, construction and manufacturing company with 40,000 employees globally. In FY-2013, L&T had 1,580 H1B Visas approved. To learn more about jobs at L&T, visit their career webpage.

Deloitte -provides auditing, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services to clients around the globe. During Fiscal Year 2013, there were 1,491 H1B visas approved for Deloitte. For more information about jobs at Deloitte, visit their career webpage.

http://careers.wipro.com/index.aspx

http://www.hcltech.com/careers/explore-hcl-united-states

http://www-03.ibm.com/employment/?lnk=fpl-care-usen

http://www.mahindra.com/Careers

http://www.mahindra.com/Careers

http://www.larsentoubro.com/lntcorporate/common/ui_templates/HtmlContainer.aspx?res=P_CORP_DCAR_AINT

http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/careers/life-at-deloitte.html


Other companies that had large numbers of H1B visas approved in Fiscal Year 2013 included: Igate, Microsoft, Syntel, Qualcomm, Amazon, Intel, Google, Mphasis, Capgemini, Oracle, UST, PriceWaterCoopers, Cisco Systems, Ernst & Young, NTT Data and Facebook, among others.


Chapter 5 - Student Visa

STUDENT VISAEach year, over 700,000 international students from around the world further their education in the USA. The American educational system exceeds other countries in the choice it offers:• Types of institutions

• Academic and social environments

• Entry requirements

• Degree programs

• Subjects in which to specialize

This is another way to legally live in the USA and also have the opportunity to find an American employer to sponsor you after finishing your studies. Most foreign national who wish to study in the U.S. will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types such as the J-1 and M-1 that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S.

F-1 - This is the most common student visa for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college/university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute

J-1 - This visa is known as an Exchange Visa for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The “J” visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs

M-1 - This student visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study/training at an institution in the U.S.



Visa RequirementsBefore applying for a student visa, one must be accepted by a U.S. educational institution that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Most U.S. institutions of higher education have received this approval, but you should check the list of approved schools before moving on in the process.

The steps in becoming an international student after you have been accepted by a U.S. approved institution are:• Receiving either an I-20 or DS-2019 from the U.S. institution or program

• Paying the SEVIS fee

• Applying for the visa at your local U.S. embassy or consulate

• Entering the U.S. within the designated time frame

• Visiting your institution’s office that handles international students upon arrival

Please note that most U.S. institutions do not give grants or scholarships for international students. Therefore, you will have to prove that you are able to finance your stay in the U.S. when registering to the school.

U.S. Embassy/Consulate RequirementsOnce you meet the admission and financial requirements, the school will mail an I-20 for a F-1 visa or DS-2019 for a J-1 visa, depending upon the program you are applying for. Afterward, you will apply for a student visa at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. The application process includes a short interview in English, the application form DS-156 or I-60 and an application fee (in addition to the SEVIS fee).

When meeting with a U.S. Consul, bring your letter of admission, financial documentation, SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt and passport to the interview. Once your application is approved, an F1 or J1 visa will be stamped in your passport. Entering America, you may be required to go through an electronic

http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/ApprovedSchools.pdf

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp



fingerprinting and be photographed as part of U.S. governmental security procedures.

College tuition can be a little expensive in America. However, our immigration experts have found excellent colleges and universities that range from $9,000-16,000 for an academic year.

Educational Insitutions Under $16,000

California State University-Long Beach1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840

Admissions: 562-985-5471

$9,000

Tennessee Technological UniversityPO Box 5006, Cookeville, TN 38505


$11,600

New Mexico Institute of Mining & TechnologyCampus Station, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801


$12,000

State University of NY - Binghamton UniversityPO Box 6001, Binghamton, NY 13902-6001


$13,000

Truman State University100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501


$13,000

Yearly Tuition



Louisiana State University11146 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803


$14,400

Brigham Young UniversityA-153 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1110


$15,000

Hunter College - City University of NY695 Park Ave, Room N203, New York, NY 10065


$15,000

Salisbury UniversityAdmissions Office, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 2180


$15,000

University of Utah201 South 1460 East, Room 250S, Salt Lake City, UT 84112


$15,000

The University of North Carolina at AshevilleOne University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8502


$15,500

University of Alabama301 Sparkman Dr., Huntsville, AL 35899


$16,000

Yearly Tuition



M-1 VisaInternational students who are coming to the US to pursue a full-time course of study at a SEVP approved vocational or nonacademic school should apply for a M-1 visa. Typical institutions that accept M-1 visa students include community and junior colleges that provide vocational and technical training, vocational high schools and other schools that provide nonacademic training, other than English language instruction.

At community and junior colleges, a full course of study is defined as at least 12 semester hours of instruction per academic term, except in cases where the student requires fewer hours to complete the course of study. At other postsecondary schools, a full course of study consists of 12 hours of study per week. In vocational and nonacademic programs, a full course of study must consist of at least 18 hours of study per week if classroom instruction is the dominant part of the course, or 22 hours of study per week if the dominant part of the course is in the laboratory or workshop. In vocational and nonacademic high schools, a full course of study is the minimum hours the school sets for progress towards graduation.

Generally, students receive a M-1 Visa for one year or for the amount of time required to complete the course of study. They are also given a 30-day grace period in which they need to leave the USA after completion of the course.

M-1 students are not authorized to work on or off campus. They are, however, allowed to participate in practical training following the completion of their course of study.


Chapter 6 - Green Card Lottery

GREEN CARD LOTTERYFor over 20 years, the U.S. government has made available 50,000 visas per year through the Green Card Lottery. America is the only country that holds a lottery like this; with minimum requirements to enter the program: (1) to be from an eligible country; and (2) have a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience. Other American permanent resident visas require family or employment sponsorship. The Lottery is the quickest way to get a Green Card without the need of sponsorship.

The official name of the Green Card Lottery program is the Diversity Visa Program (DV). The intention of the program is to make America more diversified, which means a balance of different ethnicities joining into the “melting pot” of America. Before 1965, many of the U.S. immigration laws favored Northern European immigration. However, the United States Congress decided to give this opportunity to relatives of American citizens or permanent residents, regardless of origin, and soon afterward, Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans began arriving in record numbers. Several lottery programs were created during the 1980s. However, Congress decided in the mid-1990s that the Green Card Lottery should cover the whole world-except those countries thought to be overrepresented in the immigrant pool.

Green Card Eligibility RequirementsThe Green Card Lottery is the quickest way to legally live and work in the USA. It requires no family or employer sponsorship. Green Card Lottery eligibility is based upon:• Being a native of a qualifying country; AND

• Having a high school education or its equivalent; OR

• Having two years of training or experience in a qualifying skilled profession or trade within the past 5 years. The occupation must require at least two years of training or experience to qualify and be listed on the U.S. Department of



Labor’s O*Net online database as specified in the official DV-Lottery regulations

An applicant should never submit more than one application to the Green Card Lottery per year. However, if one’s spouse meets the requirements, then he or she can apply to the program as well. Therefore, a married couple, each year, can have two separate registrations, thus doubling the chances of winning the Lottery.

A child under the age of 21 who meets the educational and work experience requirements can also apply to the Green Card Lottery and still appear as a dependent on each parent’s application. However, if the child does win, he or she cannot sponsor the parents for permanent residency until after the completion of steps required in becoming a U.S. citizen.

Green Card Lottery Winner BenefitsIf a person was selected in the Green Card Lottery, the winner’s spouse and unmarried children, under the age of 21, can also receive a Green Card, giving them the opportunity to legally live and work in the United States. In addition, Green Card Lottery winners who receive a Green Card and live in the United States for 5 years can apply for citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship BenefitsApproximately 500,000 people become naturalized citizens of the United States every year, obtaining numerous rights, benefits and privileges, including the opportunity to vote in U.S. local, state and federal elections.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the basic requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization include being at least 18 years old; being a U.S. permanent resident for five years (or less in some situations); being a person of good moral character (i.e., no legal trouble); having a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government; and being able to read, write and speak basic English (with several exceptions to this last rule).

http://www.onetonline.org/



Immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship must pass the civics examination and take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the naturalization process. U.S. citizens gain the full protection of the U.S. Constitution. Benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen include the following:

• Receive a U.S. passport

• Travel outside the U.S. for extended periods

• Petition for family members to immigrate to the U.S.

• Obtain citizenship for children born abroad

• Become eligible for federal jobs

• Run for elected office

• Serve on a federal jury

• Keep residency

• Eligible to apply for federal grants and scholarships


Chapter 7 - What We Can Do For You

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUThe USAFIS mission is to make known the immigration opportunities that the United States has to offer; giving people the choice to make a better life for themselves and their families. Our company understands that it is the U.S. immigrant experience that can turn dreams into reality. Many people look at the USA and wonder - what if? Our goal is to change that question into - why not?

USAFIS ServiceThe first phase of entering the Green Card Lottery is submitting an application. However, many are automatically disqualified for not following the U.S. government’s requirements when they complete and submit their application to the Green Card Lottery. To have the opportunity to win, give yourself the best chance possible by using an application review service that guarantees Green Card Lottery entry. Its services include:

• An error free application

• Transforming the application in an electronic format

• Submission of the application in a timely manner

• Send Green Card Lottery updates crucial to the application process

• Clients selected by the program are notified by phone, fax and email (the U.S. government no longer send Winners’ notifications)

• Once selected, clients are put in contact with immigration lawyers who can guide them in dealing with U.S. embassy officials and government documents.


Chapter 7 - What We Can Do For You

Why Use An Application Review Provider?One can always apply to the Green Card Lottery via the government’s website. It is suggested to use the services of an application review provider:

• If English is not a native language

• One has problems meeting deadlines

• There is a dislike in dealing with government forms

• A person simply values their time

USAFIS promises that your application will be error free and follows the digital requirements outlined by the U.S. government. With over 13 years of Green Card Lottery application experience and trusted by millions from around the world, USAFIS has become the leader in the industry.


Chapter 8 - Conclusion

CONCLUSION“Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America,” the historian Oscar Handlin writes in the preface of his classic The Uprooted. “Then I discovered that the immigrants were American history.” Today’s immigrants are more diverse - racially, culturally, and religiously than those who came before them.

“Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:

I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

These words, carved on the Statue of Liberty in New York, reflect the unequivocal commitment that the United States of America is to be a home for immigrants. Millions upon millions of individuals have come to the USA to have the opportunity to make a better life. It did not matter if they were rich or poor, white or black, Christians or Muslim – all entered the Golden Door and built new homes in the land of the free.

While the first waves of mass-immigration to the U.S. in the 19th century consisted mostly of Europeans seeking to flee the “old continent”, the 20th century brought to America no less than 25 million immigrants from Latin America and Asia. As a result, over 300 languages are spoken and every religion is represented in America.

According to recent estimates, America today is home for no less than 40 million foreign-born residents and another 40 million children born to foreign-born immigrants (‘second-generation immigrants’). Together their number sum up to more than 20 percent of the total U.S. population.


Chapter 8 - Conclusion

Why do so many want to come to America’s shores? America is the ultimate portrayal of freedom. The thing that is so great about the U.S. is that it willinglyallows immigrants to come through its borders and take part in a society thatpursues life, liberty and happiness!

Name one country that is willing to offer different visa opportunities as well as a lottery so others can legally become part of its society? This sort of thing happens only in the United States!

Not that long ago, people from other countries looked at the Statue of Liberty and wondered “what if..?” Now, you have read the different options to come to the United States. The question remains - “why not?!”

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